Malta Travel Guide: The Complete Guide to Visiting Malta

Introduction

Malta is one of Europe’s most surprisingly rich destinations. This tiny archipelago — three inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) with a combined area smaller than Singapore — sits in the middle of the Mediterranean, halfway between Sicily and the North African coast, and has been fought over, colonised, and shaped by every great Mediterranean civilisation for 7,000 years. The result is one of the world’s greatest concentrations of history in a small space: prehistoric megalithic temples older than Stonehenge, Phoenician harbours, Roman villas, Arab-influenced architecture, medieval Norman and Spanish fortifications, the extraordinarily preserved Baroque capital Valletta (a UNESCO World Heritage City), and the extraordinary natural scenery of the Blue Lagoon at Comino.

Malta is also warmly hospitable, English-speaking (one of the EU’s two official English-speaking countries, alongside Ireland), and genuinely affordable compared to most of Western Europe. For Southeast Asian travellers, it’s a Schengen member offering mild winters and excellent connectivity.

Who is this destination for?

• History and archaeology enthusiasts (Malta’s prehistoric temples are extraordinary)
• Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts (Malta ranks among Europe’s top 5 dive destinations)
• Couples and honeymooners (Valletta, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon are beautiful)
• Sun and sea travellers seeking Mediterranean warmth
• Travellers wanting a compact but deep European cultural experience

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Why Visit Malta

Valletta: Europe’s Smallest Capital, Richest History

Valletta was built from scratch by the Knights of St John after 1565, following the Great Siege of Malta (when a force of 30,000 Ottoman troops was repelled by a garrison of fewer than 9,000 — one of history’s most celebrated military defences). The result is a Baroque city of extraordinary density and coherence: every street aligned to take advantage of sea breezes, every building of honey-golden limestone, every corner offering a view of a harbour, a fortress, or the sea. Valletta was European Capital of Culture in 2018.

Prehistoric Temples Older Than Stonehenge

The megalithic temples of Malta — Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ġgantija on Gozo (all UNESCO World Heritage) — were built between 3600–2500 BC, making them the world’s oldest free-standing stone structures. The civilisation that built them disappeared suddenly and mysteriously around 2500 BC, leaving temples of extraordinary technical sophistication. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (an underground prehistoric tomb carved from solid rock, also UNESCO) is one of the world’s most remarkable prehistoric sites; entry strictly limited to 80 visitors per day — book weeks ahead.

Mediterranean Diving

Malta’s clear, warm waters (20–28°C from June to November), dramatic underwater topography (caves, arches, walls, and wrecks), and excellent visibility make it one of Europe’s top diving destinations. The Inland Sea at Dwejra (Gozo), the Blue Grotto near Qrendi, and the wreck of the WWII destroyer HMS Maori off Valletta are among the finest sites. Numerous dive centres offer PADI courses and guided dives for beginners.

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Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) — Best Overall Perfect weather (18–25°C), clear seas, no summer crowds, and the countryside in wildflower bloom. May and June are Malta’s most comfortable months. Luzzu (traditional fishing boat) Festival and religious festas begin.

Summer (July–August) — Hot, Crowded, Best for Beaches The Blue Lagoon at Comino is at its best — crystalline turquoise water, 26–28°C sea temperature. Very crowded and hot (32–38°C). Festas (village patron saint festivals with fireworks, brass bands, and street celebrations) peak in summer — attending one is a highlight.

Autumn (September–October) — Excellent, Still Warm Sea temperature at its warmest; summer crowds gone; diving at its best visibility. Highly recommended.

Winter (November–March) — Quiet and Mild Malta’s winter (12–18°C) is mild by Northern European standards. Valletta and Mdina are explored in peace; no beach culture. Good for history-focused visits at low prices.

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Top Things to Do

1. Valletta: Baroque City Walk

A full day in Valletta begins at the City Gate (Rafael Moneo’s 2013 redesign, excellent) and moves along Republic Street past the Grand Master’s Palace (Knights of St John headquarters, now the President’s official residence; the state rooms are open), St John’s Co-Cathedral (the Knights’ church — a breathtaking Baroque interior with a Caravaggio masterpiece, The Beheading of St John the Baptist, the only painting Caravaggio ever signed), and the Upper Barrakka Gardens (panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, and the Fort St Angelo). The National Museum of Archaeology houses the finest collection of prehistoric Maltese artefacts.

2. The Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua

The Three Cities — fortified peninsulas projecting into the Grand Harbour opposite Valletta — are older than Valletta itself and far less visited. Birgu (Vittoriosa) has the original Inquisitor’s Palace (the only purpose-built Inquisitors’ palace in the world, with its original trial chamber and prison intact) and the Malta Maritime Museum in the former naval bakery. The Senglea safe haven viewpoint (vedette) with its carved stone eyes and ears (watching and listening for danger approaching by sea) is one of Malta’s most photographed images.

3. Mdina: The Silent City

Mdina — Malta’s ancient walled capital, perched on a hilltop in the island’s centre — has a population of only 300 permanent residents, earning it the nickname “The Silent City.” The medieval and Baroque buildings within the walls, the Cathedral, the Palazzo Falson historic house museum, and the views from the bastions over the surrounding plain are exceptional. Visit early morning (before 10am) when the tour groups have not yet arrived.

4. Blue Lagoon, Comino

The Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino — a natural cove of extraordinary crystalline turquoise water in a Mediterranean setting of limestone cliffs and sea caves — is Malta’s most iconic natural scene. Ferries from Valletta, Sliema, and Ċirkewwa reach Comino in 20–45 minutes. In July and August it’s overwhelmingly crowded; early morning or shoulder season visits are far more rewarding. Comino is car-free and has no permanent resident population.

5. Prehistoric Temples: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra

The twin temple complexes of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on Malta’s southern cliffs (within walking distance of each other) are the most accessible and best-presented prehistoric sites in Malta. Mnajdra is astronomically aligned — at the winter solstice, the rising sun illuminates the central corridor perfectly. The protective tented shelters (installed to prevent weather damage) are sympathetically designed. A combined ticket includes an excellent visitor centre.

6. Diving the Inland Sea at Dwejra (Gozo)

Dwejra on the island of Gozo is one of Europe’s finest dive locations: the Inland Sea (a natural lagoon connected to the open sea by a tunnel through the cliffs), the Blue Hole (a natural underwater chimney dropping 40m), and the open water wall outside the tunnel are all world-class. The Azure Window — the famous limestone arch that collapsed in 2017 — is now a dive site in its own right; its fallen blocks at 40m depth have become an artificial reef of considerable marine life.

7. Gozo Island: Rural Malta at Its Best

Gozo — Malta’s smaller, quieter, greener sister island (25-minute ferry from Ċirkewwa, northern Malta) — has a distinctly slower pace. The Ġgantija Temples (the world’s oldest free-standing structures, 3600 BC), the hilltop citadel of Victoria (Rabat) with its Baroque cathedral, the Calypso Cave (associated with Homer’s Odyssey), and the exceptional Xlendi and Marsalforn bays make Gozo worth a dedicated overnight stay.

8. Traditional Maltese Festas

The festa — a village patron saint festival marked by Baroque church decorations, fireworks (among the world’s most spectacular, with village bands of competing pyrotechnicians), street illuminations, and brass band marches — is Malta’s most distinctively local cultural experience. Almost every village holds its festa on a summer weekend; the Qormi festa (St George), the Naxxar festa, and the Birgu Candlelight Festival (October) are among the most atmospheric. Attending one is genuinely unforgettable.

9. Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

Marsaxlokk is Malta’s largest remaining fishing village — a harbour lined with luzzijiet (traditional Maltese fishing boats painted in vivid colours with the Eye of Osiris on the prow). The Sunday fish market, the seafood restaurants along the quay, and the fleet of traditional boats reflect a fishing tradition that has continued here for centuries. The nearby Blue Grotto sea caves offer boat tours and good snorkelling.

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Where to Stay

Valletta: Several excellent boutique hotels in converted Baroque palaces; Ursulino, The Saint John, and Rosselli are outstanding. Sliema and St Julian’s: The most resort-developed area; good for families and beach access, less atmospheric than Valletta. Gozo: Farmhouse conversions (farmhouses) in the countryside are Malta’s most distinctive accommodation — often better value and more characterful than hotel rooms. Mdina: One small luxury hotel (Palazzo de Piro) for an exceptional experience.

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Food & Cuisine

• Pastizzi — Flaky pastry parcels filled with ricotta or mushy peas; Malta’s most ubiquitous street food, sold from pastizzeriji (pastry shops) for €0.25–0.50 each.
• Ħobż biż-żejt — Maltese bread rubbed with tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with tuna, olives, capers, and bigilla (black bean paste). Malta’s finest sandwich.
• Braġjoli — Beef olives: thinly sliced beef rolled around breadcrumbs, bacon, and herbs, braised in wine. The definitive Maltese main course.
• Kinnie — A bitter orange and herb soft drink unique to Malta. Divisive but worth trying.
• Maltese honey — Thyme honey from the Maltese countryside is extraordinary; among the finest artisan food products Malta produces.
• Imqaret — Deep-fried date pastry parcels, sold hot from street stalls, especially at festas.

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Getting Around

Malta Public Transport (buses): An extensive bus network covers the whole island; the Tallinja app manages ticketing. The network is frequent but can be slow due to traffic. A 7-day pass is excellent value. Malta–Gozo Ferry: From Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo): 25min, very frequent. Taxi and Bolt: Available throughout Malta; Bolt (rideshare) is significantly cheaper than taxis. Car Rental: Useful for reaching Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim, the southern coast beaches, and exploring off the tourist circuit. Driving is on the left (British heritage).

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Travel Tips

Language: Maltese and English are both official languages; English is the working language of tourism, government, and business. No language preparation needed. Costs: Affordable for Mediterranean Europe. Budget: €55–75/day. Mid-range: €100–140/day. Sun protection: The Maltese sun is intense from May to October; factor 50, hats, and shade breaks are important. Schengen: Malta is a Schengen Area member. A Schengen visa from any other Schengen country is valid for Malta. British heritage: Malta was British until 1964; left-hand driving, British electrical plugs (Type G), and fish and chip shops coexist with Baroque palaces and Arab-influenced architecture.

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Sample 4-Day Malta Itinerary

Day 1 — Valletta: City Gate, Republic Street, St John’s Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio). Upper Barrakka Gardens. Three Cities evening tour by ferry. Day 2 — Prehistoric Malta: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (pre-booked weeks ahead). Afternoon: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples. Marsaxlokk village evening. Day 3 — Gozo: Ferry to Gozo. Ġgantija Temples. Victoria citadel and cathedral. Xlendi Bay lunch. Dwejra Inland Sea (snorkelling or diving). Return evening. Day 4 — Mdina and Blue Lagoon: Morning Mdina (arrive early). Afternoon: ferry to Comino Blue Lagoon (summer). Return to Valletta for evening departure.

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Related Guides

• Italy Travel Guide — Malta is 90km from Sicily; ferry connections Valletta–Catania
• Greece Travel Guide — Mediterranean combination
• Portugal Travel Guide — Mediterranean combination for Schengen itineraries
• Spain Travel Guide — Malta and Southern Spain combination
• Europe Destinations Overview